Liberty has tough act to follow in 2012

Palmetto High School running back Kenngie Burts is tackled by Liberty High School's Daniel Sanchez in the second quarter of their game in Liberty Friday night.

Kyle Stewart has a tough act to follow after Liberty's football team went 9-3 in 2011, Stewart's first season leading the program.

It was an eight-victory improvement over 2010, and matching that improvement is a numerical impossibility. But that's not to say Stewart, his staff and players aren't aiming high again in 2012.

"The same thing that we preached last year so heavily is the same thing we're going to preach again this year; and that's mental toughness," Stewart said. "We're quite optimistic about what we've got coming back. We've got some key pieces of our offense coming back, and that's definitely a big plus."

Quarterback is usually considered a leadership position, and Stewart said he has a leader there in Brandon Alexander.

"He's a major spark, a very talented young man," Stewart said.

Stewart looks for similar leadership from linebackers Dalton James and Parker Ford on defense.

Fullback/linebacker Tanner Chambers and left guard Eric Sturtevant are expected to be leaders despite being juniors.

The Red Devils lost three of their top running backs from 2011, and Stewart is looking for younger players to step up.

"We've been going through the summer trying to see who we have," he said. "We could potentially be playing young guys, maybe even a freshman."

Erick Sanchez got some experience at a wing last season. James and Ford may pull duty there in addition to their defensive work.

Right tackle Evan Rhodes, right guard Daniel Sanchez and center Jakob Dismukes join Sturtevant in returning on the offensive line. Carleton Crosby has been working at left tackle, where the Red Devils need to replace Dallie Holder.

Six-foot-eight Colby Gibson was limited by injury last season. He has gained weight and is expected to contribute at receiver/tight end, depending on how the Red Devils line up. Bryce Powell and Brady Autrey — also the backup quarterback — are other receiver options.

Daniel Sanchez and Crosby are among those Stewart expects to contribute on the defensive line. The defensive end spots are up for grabs as preseason work begins.

Stewart acknowledges two-way players are a way of life for most AA teams, but he intends to use Alexander sparingly in the defensive secondary; mostly after opponents have crossed midfield.

"He's so valuable to us on offense I just don't want to put him in there defensively if I can (avoid it)," Stewart said. "Also, I'd like to be able to talk to him on the sideline during the defensive time."